Contents

The magazine was first published by Greg Lane. Its motto was "the journal that blunts the cutting edge."[3] It became known for critiquing "business culture and the culture business"[4] and for having exposed the grunge speak hoax perpetrated on the New York Times.[5] One famous and much-republished article, "The Problem with Music" by Steve Albini, exposed the inner workings of the music business during the indie rock heyday.[6]

The magazine published sporadically, first once a year then slightly more often, but that slowed down after the Chicago office of The Baffler was destroyed in a fire on April 25, 2001.[7] Publishing became more regular and frequent after its relaunch and move to Cambridge in 2011. Timeline of publication:[8]

In 2009, founding editor Frank decided to revive the magazine.[9] It was relaunched with Volume 2, Issue 1 (#18) in 2010, with a new publisher, editors, and design.

In 2011, The Baffler moved its headquarters to Cambridge, and John Summers took over as editor. The magazine signed a publishing contract with the MIT Press, and after another redesign, began publishing three times a year.[10] In 2014, it ended that contract and brought publishing operations in house.[11] In 2016, the magazine moved to a quarterly schedule and moved its headquarters to New York City.[1]

The Baffler has also organized literary events and debates with its contributing editors.